Canada announces roster for WC qualifiers
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Canada manager Stephen Hart announced his 18-man roster Thursday for two upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, sticking with the majority of the team that played in the country's recent matches.
Nineteen-year-old Matt Stinson earned his first call-up to the national squad, and veteran midfielder Patrice Bernier was recalled following a lengthy injury absence, but otherwise the team remained nearly the same.
Canada plays its final two games in Group D of CONCACAF qualifying against St. Kitts and Nevis, with a road match on Nov. 11 and a home match Nov. 15 at BMO Field in Toronto.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Canadians lead the group with 10 points, followed by St. Kitts and Nevis with six points, and need just one point from the two matches to secure a spot in the second round of qualifying.
Following is the complete Canada roster:
Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga), Kenny Stamatopoulos (AIK).
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defenders: David Edgar (Burnley), Ante Jazic (Chivas USA), Mike Klukowski (Manisaspor), Nik Ledgerwood (SV Wehen Wiesbaden), Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC), Adam Straith (Energie).
Midfielders: Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault (Prussia Munster), Patrice Bernier (Lyngby), Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC), Will Johnson (Real Salt Lake), Josh Simpson (Manisaspor), Matt Stinson (Toronto FC).
Forwards: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Simeon Jackson (Norwich City), Olivier Occean (SpVgg Greuther Furth), Tosaint Ricketts (Timisoara).